Jim Caviezel Joins J.J. Abrams’ ‘Person of Interest’

'The Passion of The Christ' star lands the series' lead as an ex CIA agent.

Jonathan Nolan and J.J. Abrams have found their main "Person of Interest."

Deadline is reporting that Jim Caviezel has agreed to join the CBS crime thriller as Reese, an ex-CIA agent previously thought to be dead. A reclusive billionaire named Finch tracks Reese down and teams up with him to prevent violent crimes in New York City before they happen.

Although Caviezel is most famous for his starring role as Jesus Christ in Mel Gibson’s "The Passion of The Christ," some of his earliest appearances came on TV in "Murder, She Wrote" and "The Wonder Years." Prior to "The Passion," Caviezel also had breakout roles in "The Thin Red Line," "Ride With The Devil," "Frequency," "Pay It Forward" and "The Count of Monte Cristo."

Caviezel also starred with Ian McKellen in the TV remake of "The Prisoner" in 2009.

During the fall, all of the major networks reportedly engaged in a bidding war for "Person of Interest," primarily because of Abrams’ track record on TV, with "Alias," "Lost" and "Fringe" as well as the fact that this will be Nolan’s first TV project. As a screenwriter, Nolan has collaborated with his brother Christopher Nolan on "The Prestige" and "The Dark Knight," as well as the upcoming "Superman" reboot and "The Dark Knight Rises."

David Semel ("Heroes") is attached to direct the pilot of "Person of Interest," which has a strong chance of making CBS’ fall schedule.